Town, the petite restaurant on Elgin Street has been discretely setting the standard for restaurants in Ottawa with its masterful and intimate reimagining of traditional Italian comfort food.
The galley rows of tables-for-two, plentiful bar and peak-in stainless steel kitchen cue guests that they are there to luxuriate. And it’s hard not to. Town is a place where new friends become old friends over sumptuous shared plates and toasts to your good health.
Together, owners Marc Doiron and Lori Wojcik, have travelled the world in pursuit of the best food experiences and in turn have effortlessly infused them into Ottawa’s restaurant scene.
Original photo by Rémi Thériault.
We had the privilege of talking to them recently about the beautiful world of Town.
Apt613: How would you describe your approach to food?
Marc: Familiar/comforting/creative/somewhat Italian/sense of fun or adventure in there somewhere.
How did the decision to open town come about?
Marc: I always wanted to work for myself so dreamed of having my own place, we worked hard and saved a lot in order to do it on our own, including living with family for 3 years to get there
Where did the inspiration for fine Italian inspired fare come from?
Marc: I wanted to provide fresh, simple and comforting food… Italian has always been my favourite to eat and cook and the one I was most interested in so seemed like the best way to go…
How is the menu developed at Town?
Marc: The items change at random with the seasons or whenever I feel inspired by something I’ve read or seen or tasted myself.I also allow the kitchen staff to develop and bring me ideas so it’s a collaborative effort
What inspired the name “Town”?
Marc: It’s inspired by the feel of Ottawa… it really is just a big town
What kind of community initiatives is Town involved in?
Marc: All sorts… anything and everything that strikes us, but mostly the skateboard community, arts, community initiatives. Mostly we stick to local things to highlight or bring awareness to, and we always like to do things with friends. If someone brings us an idea, we try to participate or help out if we can.
How do you achieve balance on the plate and why is this important to you?
Marc: The how is always thinking and tasting… making sure you are hitting all points… sweet/salt/acid…smooth/crunchy/interesting… and all are in balance and the why is to keep the diner engaged and curious.
You guys go on food pilgrimages around the world to find inspiration for Town, what have been some of your favourite meals from those trips?
Marc: Pretty much any where we’ve been in NYC and Brooklyn, the simplicity of the meals in Italy, the fresh ingredients and wine in California: we’ve found inspiration in every meal, whether it was the food, the atmosphere, the décor, the service: we’ve learned something from each one even if it was what not to do…
What is your favourite part of being restaurant owners?
Marc: Our staff, being our own bosses. Even though we work really hard, there is a certain freedom to working for yourself.
How would you describe the Town experience?
Marc: Fun/casual/good food and drinks made with love.
What advice do you have to up and coming chefs, foodies, restaurant-owners.
Marc: Cook what you want to eat, because trends come and go, but if you love it and want to eat it yourself the inspiration will always be there. Realize what you are getting into. We discovered the cooking and serving are just a small part of the whole. It’s tons of work to manage people and schedules, look after clients and community, watch the bills and cash flow, deal with all the small things… make sure you have enough patience and a good sense of humour.
What is your at-home weekday dinner like?
Marc: Sad to say, but most nights if we are there it’s takeout! Or if the weather permits, anything on the charcoal BBQ… but realistically we are mostly here, so we do staff meal everyday with our guys at 4pm.
Town is located at 296 Elgin Street. Call 613-695-8896 to book a table and check their website for hours and info.
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